Apparatus for stirring grain in a storage bin

ABSTRACT

The grain-stirring apparatus has a floor-supported center column on which a horizontal frame is mounted for horizontal rotational movement and vertical movement. The frame carries longitudinally spaced stirring bits or augers each of which is adjustable movable from a vertical position to a horizontal position pointing in the direction of frame rotation. The bits mounted on the frame to one side of the center column extend over the inner half radius of the bin and the bits on the opposite side of the center column extend over the outer half radius of the bin. The bits or augers, when inclined to the vertical, function to stir the grain and horizontally rotate the frame. To unload the grain from the bin, a horizontal sweep auger extended longitudinally of and in a trailing relation with one end section of the frame is operated to direct the grain centrally of the bin for removal. During a bin-unloading operation the stirring augers are in their horizontal positions and the frame is horizontally rotated by the sweep auger.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Claire W. Koobs 3,414,239 12/1968 Eirich et a1. 259/104 R.F.D. #2. Box 88; 3,156,541 11/1964 Kalke 34/181 Gerald A. Knobs, 1005 12th St, both of 3,251,582 5/1966 Murphy 259/111 Grundy Center Iowa 50638 Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson [21] Appl. No. 826,808

. Assistant Examiner-George V. Larkln [22] Attorney-Rudolph L Lowell [45] Patented June 15,1971

ABSTRACT: The grain-stirring apparatus has a floor-sup- [54] APPARATUS FOR STIRRING GRAIN IN A ported center column on which a horizontal frame is mounted STORAGE BIN for horizontal rotational movement and vertical movement. 6 claims 15 Drawing Figs. The frame carries longitudinally spaced stirring bits oraugers each of WillCh [5 ad ustable movable from a vertical position to U.S. a horizontal position pointing in the direction of frame rota. [51] Int. Cl 301i 7/00, tion The bits mounted on 3 frame to one side f he center 1329b column extend over the inner half radius of the bin and the [50] held of Search 259/99, bits on the opposite Side f the cohimn extend over the i041 1 l 1 outer half radius of the bin. The bits or augers, when inclined to the vertical, function to stir the grain and horizontally [56] Reta-wees cued rotate the frame. To unload the grain from the bin, a horizon- UNITED STATES PATENTS tal sweep auger extended longitudinally of and in a trailing 2,304,772 12/1942 Allardice et a1. 259/104 X relation with one end section of the frame is operated to direct 2,333,739 11/1943 Packett 259/6 the grain centrally of the bin for removal. During a bin-un- 7 2,782,013 2/1957 Dittrich.... 259/108 loading operation the stirring augers are in their horizontal 3,235,877 2/ 1966 Grob 259/ 108 X positions and the frame is horizontally rotated by the sweep 3,356,347 12/1967 Boschen 259/104 auger.

k z 4/ 54 z/ n/QLIIMW 3475; =5. 1?? NH? 9 PATENTED JUHI 5 l9?! SHEET 2 [IF 4 pg mml AM Z w mm a 10 Tina APPARATUS FOR STIRRING GRAIN IN A STORAGE BIN SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The grain-stirring apparatus is adapted to aerate or dry grain efficiently and economically for either batch or layer grain drying operations. The inclination of the bits or stirring augers in the direction of frame rotation about the grain bin and the extended lengths of the augers within the grain provides for all portions of the grain being acted upon, both radially and vertically of the bin, during each complete revolution of the stirring augers about the bin. The horizontal auger for maintaining level the top surface of the grain being stirred functions efficiently as a sweep auger for grain-unloading purposes, on a lowering of the apparatus with the stirring augers extended horizontally. The apparatus is of a compact and simple construction and in operation is always positioned directly above the grain being aerated so as to be maintained substantially at grain temperature. Condensation or moisture accumulations on the apparatus are thus substantially eliminated so as to appreciably reduce any breakdowns in the electrical circuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a grain bin showing the stirring apparatus of this invention in assembly relation therewith;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged foreshortened side elevational view of a center column assembly that forms part of the stirring apparatus, with certain parts shown in section to more clearly illustrate its construction;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the column assembly taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view on line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view as seen along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a foreshortened perspective view of a horizontally rotatable frame that forms part of the stirring apparatus showing the assembly therewith of a grain-stirring auger and a combination grain-leveling and sweep auger unit;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the power transmission system and adjusting mechanism for the combination auger unit shown in FIG. 7; 1

FIG. 10 is a sectional view as seen on line 10-I0'in FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 l is a partial plan view of the rotatable horizontal frame of the stirring apparatus showing the combination auger unit and the assembly of a series of stirring augers;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are enlarged sectional detail views taken on the lines 12-12 and 12-13, respectively, in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is illustrated similarly to FIG. 13 and shows parts thereof in changed positions; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the combination auger unit in its grain-unloading position relative to a centrally located floor discharge opening in the grain bin.

I DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the stirring apparatus of this invention, indicated generally at 20, is shown in assembly relation with a circular grain bin 21 that has a sidewall 22, a roof 23 and a perforated false or drying floor 24 spaced upwardly from a concrete base or foundation 26 to form an air or plenum chamber 27. As is usual in grain bin constructions, the floor 24 has a centrally located discharge opening 28 through which grain is delivered to an unloading auger 29 that is located in the plenum chamber 27. Arranged within the discharge opening 28 and supported on the concrete base 26 is a basket or hopper 31 into which the receiving end of the unloading auger 29 is extended.

The stirring apparatus (FIGS. 1 and 15) includes a center column or mast 32 of a square tubular shape in transverse section, having its lower end received within a squareshaped bottom socket member 33 that is supported on the basket member 31. A top socket member 34 (FIG. 5) has a supporting plate 36 spaced inwardly from its open end 37 for resting directly on the upper end of the mast when the open end of the socket member is positioned overthe mast upper end. The mast 32 is secured to the top socket member 34 by a bolt assembly 38. In turn the upper or baseplate 39 of the socket member 34 is secured to the thin roof 23 by cable and turn buckle assemblies 41 which are relatively adjustable to vertically brace or support the column 32 axially of the bin 21.

A horizontal elongated main frame structure 42 is movably supported on the mast 32 for vertical movement and for horizontal rotational movement (FIGS. 1 and 7). This main frame structure 42 is comprised of side frame members 43 each of which is formed of sections 44 and 46 of unequal length interconnected by transverse brace members 47. As illustrated, a frame member side section 44 is of a shorter length than a side section 46. The adjacent ends of the sections 44 and 46 are connected together by a transverse mounting unit 48 which includes a flat horizontal plate member 49.

Extended through and projected upwardly from the plate member 49 at a position intermediate the side frame members 43 is a tubular bearing member 51 (FIG. 7) of a cylindridal shape. The bearing member 51 is rigidly secured to the plate member 49 by means including gusset plates 52 and 53 that extend transversely of the frame structure 42 to opposite sides of the bearing member 51. Each end of the flat mounting plate 49 is provided with a pair of square-shaped tubular sockets 54 positioned longitudinally of the frame structure 42 to opposite sides a gusset plate 52 and 53. The adjacent ends of the frame side sections 44 and 46 are inserted within corresponding ones of the sockets 54 and then secured thereto by clamping or setscrews 56.

To support the side member sections 44 and 46 against downward tilting movement relative to the tubular bearing member 51 (FIG. 7) each pair of the sections 44 and 46 is provided with a truss assembly 57 and 58, respectively, each of which assemblies includes a tie bar 59 and 61, also respectively. Adjacent its upper end the tubular bearing member 51 has rigidly secured longitudinally extended sockets 62 for telescopically receiving the inner end of a corresponding tie bar 59 and 61 which are held in the sockets 62 by set screws 63.

It is seen, therefore, that the main frame structure 42 has its longitudinal axis extended diametrically of the grain bin 21 and is comprised of a pair of frame units 64 and 66 of unequal predetermined lengths, with the frame unit 64 being equal to about one-fourth of the bin diameter and the section 66 having a length equal to about one-half the diameter and the section 66 having a length equal to about one-half the diameter of the bin 21. The frame units 64 and 66 can thus be provided in varying lengths to accommodate grain bins of different diameters and with such frame units being readily assembled with the mounting unit 48.

The tubular bearing member 51 (FIGS. 3 and 6) is rotatably mounted about an inner tubular shaft 67 which is of a length substantially equal to the length of the bearing member 51 and of a size to loosely receive therethrough the square shaped mast 32. Secured to opposite ends of the shaft 67 are upper and lower guide sockets 68 and 69, respectively, that are slidable on the mast 32 and include flat ring members 71 and 72, also respectively. With the mast 32 extended through the inner tubular shaft 67 and the guide sockets 68 and 69, the shaft 67 is guidably supported for vertical movement relative to the mast while being held against rotation relative to the bearing member 51.

The lower end of the bearing member 51 (FIG. 3) carries a flat ring 73 that is secured as by weldments to the under side of the mounting plate 49. This ring 73 rests directly on the ring 72 of the lower guide socket 69. As a result the bearing member 51 and in turn the frame structure 42 are supported for rotational movement relative to the shaft 67 and for vertical movement with the shaft 67 relative to the mast 32.

To vertically move the frame structure 42, a winch unit 74 (FlGS. 4 and 5) is provided at the upper end of the mast 32 that includes a reversible electric motor 76 mounted on the baseplate 39. The motor 76 is in a drive relation with a jack shaft 77 rotatably extended through the top socket member 34 and having at one end a winch drum 78 for winding and unwinding a cable 79. From the drum 78 (H6. 3) the cable 79 is trained in order about a first pulley 81 on the upper guide socket 68, a pair of pulleys 82 suspended from the baseplate 39, and finally a second pulley 83 on the upper guide socket 68 for attachment of its end 84 to the baseplate 39 on the side thereof opposite the winding drum 78.

The main frame structure 42 (FIG. 1) is rotated about the mast by the engagement with the grain in the bin 21 of stirring auger assemblies 86 and 87 corresponding to the frame units 64 and 66, respectively. Since each auger assembly 86 and 87 is of a like construction and operation and similarly supported on a corresponding frame unit 64 and 66 only the auger assembly 87'for the frame unit 66 will be described in detail, with like numbers being applied to like parts.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the auger assembly 87 includes a tubular shaft 88 of a cylindrical shape that is positioned longitudinally of the frame unit 66 and extended between and rigidly secured to the pair of end brace members indicated at 470 and 47b. Rotatably adjustable on the shaft 88 is a tubular hub or sleeve member 89 which is of a shorter length than the shaft 88 so as to also be movable axially of the shaft 88 within limits defined by the engagement of the hub member 89 with the brace members 47a and 47b.

Axially spaced on the hub member 89 is a series of stirring auger units 90, illustrated as three in number, which are driven from a common motor 92 which may be of reversible type. Each auger unit 90 is adjustable both axially and circumferentially relative to the hub member 89 and is secured thereto by means including a centering bracket 93 and a U- shape clamping bolt 94 to position the augers 91 transversely of and in a spaced relation to one side of the hub member 89.

The motor 92 is mounted on the hub member 89 to the side thereof opposite the augers 91 with its drive shaft 97 extended transversely of the hub member in a parallel relation with the augers 91. A baseplate 98 for the motor 92 carries a jack shaft 99 connected in a driven relation with the motor drive shaft 97 and provided with a pair of pulleys 101 and 102. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, it is seen that the pulley 101 is in a belt connection with a first pulley 103 on the intermediate auger 91. A second pulley 104 on the intermediate auger 91 is belt connected with the pulley 106 on the outer auger 91. The pulley 102 on the jack shaft 99 is belt connected with a pulley 107 on the inner auger 91.

With the augers 91 and the operating motor 92 therefor all mounted on the tubular hub 89 the augers 91 and motor 92 are adjustable as a unit both axially and circumferentially of the shaft 88.

The hub member 89 is held in an adjusted position by a releasable locking mechanism 105 (FlGS. 11 and 12) which includes a lever member 108 secured to and extended tangentially from the tubular hub 89. A flexible rod 109 has one end 111 pivotally connected to the lever 108, and an opposite end 112 loosely extendible through a guide member 113 which forms part of an adjustable unit 114 that is slidably mounted on a side member section 46 for movement longitudinally thereof. The rod 109 is held fixed at an adjusted position of the hub member by a clamping screw 116 for the guide member 113 and a clamping screw 117 for the adjustable unit 114. With the clamping screws 116 and 117 released, the lever 108 is manually manipulated to concurrently move the augers 91 to a desired adjusted position relative to the shaft 88, with such adjusted position being positively maintained by the clamping screws 116 and 117.

In the use of the stirring apparatus 20, the augers 91 are adjunted to positions extended in the direction of rotation of the main frame structure 42 at angles of about relative to a vertical plane extended through the axis of the shaft 88 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 13. in one embodiment of the invention the augers 91 are of 3. inch diameters, and approximately 4 feet long so as to penetrate the drying front of the grain. These augers are rotated at about 450 r.p.m. in a direction such that their engagement with the grain within the bin 21 functions to horizontally rotate the frame 42 about the bin relative to the vertical axis of the mast 32. Heated air is supplied to the plenum chamber 27 by a usual-type heating unit 30 (FIG. 1).

The grain acted upon by the augers 91 is moved upwardly to the top surface 118 of the grain, as indicated by the arrows l 19 in FIG. 1, along with being moved radially inwardly of the bin 21 as indicated by the arrows 121. The upward movement of the grain by the rotating augers 91 provides a path for moisture-laden air traveling through the grain front to the surface 118 of the grain for flow outwardly from the bin 21.

The inward movement of the grain, and as best appears in FIG. 2, is due to the volume increase of the grain radially outwardly of the bin 21 for adjacent concentric floor sections of equal width. Stated otherwise, the volume of grain within the concentric section 122 immediately adjacent the mast 32 is appreciably less than the grain volume of the concentric section 123 adjacent the sidewall 22 of the bin 21, and with this volume being of a progressively decreasing value from the sec tion 123 to the section 122.

Thus, with the augers 91 of a like construction and operated at the same speed, each thereof handles or moves the same amount of grain during any given time interval. However, since the volume to be handled by the augers 91 is variable relative to their locations radially of the bin 21, the inner one of an adjacent pair of augers 91 functions to steal grain from the volume zone acted upon by the outer one of such adjacent pair of augers 91 during its rotational movement about the mast 32. In the above embodiment of the invention, it was found that each auger 91 moved or influenced the grain over an area having a 2-foot diameter.

With the augers 91 in the stirring apparatus 20 being relatively arranged to act on all of the grain extended diametrically of the bin 21 and providing for a rotation of the frame 42 about the mast 32 at a rate of about 4 r.p.h., the layer of grain being acted upon by the augers 91 is stirred or agitated every 15 minutes. It is to be importantly noted that the stirring action extends over the full diameter of the bin so as to eliminate any accumulations of unstirred grain in the bin zone immediately adjacent the bin wall 22. To prevent any accidental engagement of the augers 91 with the supporting floor 24, a vertically adjustable clamp 124 on the mast 32 (FIG. 3) is engageable with the lower guide socket 69 to limit vertical downward movement of the frame 42.

As previously explained, the action of the augers 91 functions to move the grain both upwardly and radially inwardly of the bin 21 so as to result at times in the formation of an irregular or wavelike upper surface 118, as shown in FIG. 1, along with a tendency to pile up grain around the mast 32 as indicated at 126. To level the grain surface 118 there is provided a combination levelling and sweep auger 127 which extends longitudinally of and in a trailing relation relative to the frame unit 66 (FIG. 2). To support the auger 127 for adjustable vertical movement relative to the frame 42 (FIG. 7) upright tubular guide members or sleeves 128 and 129 are carried on the frame unit 66 at positions adjacent the transverse brace 47b and mounting unit 48, respectively. Telescopically receivable within the sleeve members 128 and 129 for slidable movement therethrough are support members 131 and 132, respectively. The shaft 133 of the combination auger 127 is suitably supported for rotation within a bearing member 134 at the lower end of the support 128 and a gearbox 136 at the lower end of the support 129.

The outer end of the auger shaft 133 is rotatable within a bearing member 137 that is supported by a guy rod 138 extended between and connected to the bearing member 137 and to the upper end of the support member 131. Intermediate its ends, the guy rod 138 is maintained for vertical up and down movement by a guide unit 139 mounted on the frame side section 46. A reversible motor 141 (FIGS. 7 and 9) is mounted on the support 132 and includes a vertical drive shaft 142 that is operatively associated with the gear box 136 to drive the auger 127.

For vertically adjusting the combination auger 127 each of the sleeve members 128 and 129 has a vertically extended rack 143 (FIGS. 7 and 10) secured to corresponding side portions thereof. A shaft 144 rotatably supported on the transverse brace 47b and on the mounting unit 48 carries sprockets 146 for meshing engagement with corresponding ones of the racks 143. On manipulation of a handcrank 147 provided on the shaft 144 at the end thereof adjacent the mounting unit 148 the auger 127 is movable to a vertically adjusted position without interferring with the drive connection of the motor 141 with the gear box 136. This adjusted position is maintained by a ratchet and pawl mechanism 148.

When the augers 91 are in their inclined operating positions shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, the auger 127 is adjusted to a position wherein its lower side is substantially level with the troughs in the crested surface 118 of the grain as best appears in FIG. 1. For levelling purposes, the auger is rotated so as to move the grain along the surface 118 in a radially outward direction.

On completion of a grain-drying operation, and for unloading the grain, from the bin 21, the augers 91 are moved to their horizontally extended positions shown in FIG. 14 and in dotted lines in FIG. 8. The auger 127 is adjusted to a bottom position, also shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8, providing for its being lowered into the grain with the frame structure 42 positioned above the level of the grain. The auger is then rotated in a reversed direction relative to its direction for levelling purposes whereby grain is moved radially inwardly of the bin for delivery to the discharge opening 28. The engagement of the auger 127 with the grain is usually sufficient to provide for the horizontal rotation of the frame 42 about the mast 32. However, this rotational drive may be assisted, if necessary, by the augers 91. In this event, the augers may be adjusted for shallow submersion within the grain and operated reversely relative to their direction of rotation for aerating purposes so as to function as pushers, rather than pullers, for horizontally rotating the frame 42.

It will be understood that for bin-unloading purposes the holding clamp 124, on emptying of the grain to the level thereof on the mast 32, is removed as illustrated in FIG. 15, to provide for the auger 127 being lowered to a position adjacent the supporting floor 24. Additionally, in order to reduce excessive side stress on the mast 32, resulting from the weight difference of the frame units 64 and 66, a counterweight 149 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may be carried on the shorter frame unit 64 to compensate for such weight difference. It is further understood that the mounting unit 48 is provided at the upper end of the bearing member 51 with a slip ring unit 151, operatively associated with the motors 92 and 141 and connectable at 152 with a source of electrical supply.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for moving grain within a circular bin having a floor and a roof comprising:

a. an upright floor-supported mast centrally located within said bin with the upper end thereof adjacent the roof,

b. an elongated frame extended diametrically of said bin,

c. means movably supporting said frame on said mast for vertical and rotational movements relative thereto,

d. means on said mast interconnected with said frame for vertically moving said frame,

e. a plurality of rotatable grain-moving auger units spaced longitudinally of said frame, and

f. means supporting said auger units on the frame for adjustable movement between horizontal and vertical positions,

g. said auger units in adjusted positions inclined at acute angles in the direction of rotational movement of the frame providing for engagement of the auger units with the rain to rotate the frame about said mast. 2. he apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for vertically moving said frame includes:

a. a motor-driven winch unit mounted on said mast upper end including a rotatable drum,

b. a cable having an intermediate section, an end section windable about said drum and an opposite end section connected to said mast, and

c. pulley means on said mast and frame operatively associated with said intermediate section.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

a. said frame includes a first section substantially equal in length to the radius of said bin, and a second section equal in length to about one-half the length of said first section,

b. the auger units on said first section being longitudinally spaced over the outer one-half length of said first section.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 including:

a. shaft means on said first frame section rotatable about an axis extended longitudinally of the frame,

b. a hub means adjustably mounting the auger units of said first frame section on said shaft means for circumferential and axial adjustment relative to said shaft means,

c. coacting means on said shaft means and first frame section for releasably locking the shaft means in an adjusted position, and

d. motor means on said hub means for driving the auger units on said first frame section.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 including:

a. a grain-leveling and sweep auger means extended longitudinally of and below said first frame section in a trailing relation with the rotational movement thereof, and

b. means supporting said auger means for adjustable up and down movement to an upper position and a lower position,

c. said auger means in a grain-leveling operation being adjusted to said upper position when the auger units are in said inclined positions, and in a grain-unloading operation being adjusted to said lower position when the auger units are in horizontal positions therefor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein:

a. said supporting means for the auger means includes upright tubular guide members on said first frame section,

b. bearing members corresponding to and supported in said guide members for up and down movement,

c. means at the lower ends of said bearing members for rotatably supporting said auger means,

d. coacting means on said bearing members and first frame section for moving said guide members up and down, and

e. means on one of said bearing members for rotating said auger means. 

1. Apparatus for moving grain within a circular bin having a floor and a roof comprising: a. an upright floor-supported mast centrally located within said bin with the upper end thereof adjacent the roof, b. an elongated frame extended diametrically of said bin, c. means movably supporting said frame on said mast for vertical and rotational movements relative thereto, d. means on said mast interconnected with said frame for vertically moving said frame, e. a plurality of rotatable grain-moving auger units spaced longitudinally of said frame, and f. means supporting said auger units on the frame for adjustable movement between horizontal and vertical positions, g. said auger units in adjusted positions inclined at acute angles in the direction of rotational movement of the frame providing for engagement of the auger units with the grain to rotate the frame about said mast.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for vertically moving said frame includes: a. a motor-driven winch unit mounted on said mast upper end including a rotatable drum, b. a cable having an intermediate section, an end section windable about said drum and an opposite end section connected to said mast, and c. pulley means on said mast and frame operatively associated with said intermediate section.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: a. said frame includes a first section substantially equal in length to the radius of said bin, and a second section equal in length to about one-half the length of said first section, b. the auger units on said first section being longitudinally spaced over the outer one-half length of said first section.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 including: a. shaft means on said first frame section rotatable about an axis extended longitudinally of the frame, b. a hub means adjustably mounting the auger units of said first frame section on said shaft means for circumferential and axial adjustment relative to said shaft means, c. coacting means on said shaft means and first frame section for releasably locking the shaft means in an adjusted position, and d. motor means on said hub means for driving the auger units on said first frame section.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 3 including: a. a grain-leveling and sweep auger means extended longitudinally of and below said first frame section in a trailing relation with the rotational movement thereof, and b. means supporting said auger means for adjustable up and down movement to an upper position and a lower position, c. said auger means in a grain-leveling operation being adjusted to said upper position when the auger units are in said inclined positions, and in a grain-unloading operation being adjusted to said lower position when the auger units are in horizontal positions therefor.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: a. said supporting means for the auger means includes upright tubular guide members on said first frame section, b. bearing members corresponding to and supported in said guide members for up and down movement, c. means at the lower ends of said bearing members for rotatably supporting said auger means, d. coacting means on said bearing members and first frame section for moving said guide members up and down, and e. means on one of said bearing members for rotating said auger means. 